Walter J. Faber

He was born October 16, 1922 in Prattsburgh, NY to John and Mary Faber. He was one of 14 siblings. He grew up on the family farm in Prattsburgh, and attended Prattsburgh High School, graduating in 1940.

Walter enlisted in the Army Air Corp. on August 19, 1942. He served two tours consisting of 55 missions in the B-17s over the Europe Theatre. During his service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart, along with many other citations. He was Honorably Discharged on October 22, 1945, achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant.

Between tours Walter returned home to marry the love of his life, Barbara Cole Davis, on August 24, 1944. They purchased a farm together in Pulteney, NY in 1947. They became members of the First Presbyterian Church of Pulteney, where he served as an Elder and a member of the Session. At his passing he was the oldest living member of the church.

After being discharged from the service he attended Bliss Electrical School, Maryland and graduated in 1946, receiving a diploma as an industrial electrical engineer.

While working the vineyards on their newly purchased farm, Walter worked at Putnam Winery and Mercury Aircraft in Hammondsport, NY. He then went to work for Westinghouse Electrical in Bath, NY. He retired after 19 years working as a chemical Technician and later as a Production Foreman.

After retirement he expanded his vineyard acreage to become the largest grower for Pleasant Valley Wine Co. During this time he was also employed as a US Postal Carrier, a night guard for Burns Security, and also served as a Pulteney Tax Assessor.

In 1986 Walt and Barb built a home in Florida, living there until 2006, returning to build a new home on the original family farm in Pulteney. Upon returning home they remained active members of the community and church, recently celebrating their 70th Anniversary in 2014.

Barbara passed away September 1, 2014. Walter is survived by sisters Elizabeth Snyder and Eva (John) Graham; children, Beverly (Gordan) Benoit, Marylee Snyder, Susan McCullum, MD, and Douglas (Jerine) Faber; grandchildren, Susan Plano-Faber, Thomas (Holly) Snyder, Scott (Cathy) Faber, Karen (Peter) Stotz, and Michael McCullum; and 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 28 at 10am at the First Presbyterian Church of Pulteney. There will be a family graveside service at Glenview Cemetery in Pulteney. A reception following services will be held at the Pulteney Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Walter to the First Presbyterian Church of Pulteney, 9054 Cty. Rte. 74, Pulteney, NY 14874 and/or the Pulteney Free Library, PO Box 215, Pulteney, NY 14874.

Friends and family may share memories of Walter at www.bottoni-wood.com